Definition

Chordee repair is a surgery to straighten the penis.
It is done to repair a birth defect of the penis called
chordee
. This defect causes the penis to be curved, which is most obvious during an erection.

A chordee repair is done by a specialized doctor called a pediatric urologist.
The surgery is typically done after 6 months of age.

The Male Reproductive System

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done on boys born with:

Chordee

Hypospadias
with chordee—the opening of the urethra is on the bottom of the penis instead of at the tip of the penis. Hypospadias can make it difficult for the child to urinate while standing. It can also affect sexual function later in life.

After surgery, the penis should function normally.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If your child is having the surgery, the doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Physical exam, which may include causing an artificial erection to check the degree of curvature

Blood and urine tests

A discussion about the anesthesia being used and the potential risks

Talk to the doctor about your child’s medications and supplements. Your child may need to stop certain medications before the surgery. Your child may also need to take certain medications to prepare for surgery.

Your child will need to have an empty stomach before the procedure. Ask the doctor when your child will need to stop breastfeeding or eating.

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), National Guideline Clearinghouse. Guidelines on penile curvature. AHRQ, National Guideline Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=37628&search=congenital+penile+curvature. Published February 2012. Accessed September 11, 2014.

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